Chapter 06: Bondage
"Man, throw the book this way," Orga's voice rang out, clearly enjoying the chaos they caused. The excitement in his voice was unmistakable, reveling in the unexpected brawl.
"All right, catch," Athrun responded with a smirk, his aim deliberate. He lobbed the book straight back towards Orga with precision. The hefty volume hit Orga square in the face, knocking him down instantly. A wave of satisfaction washed over Athrun; they were even now, and it felt good.
Meanwhile, the new arrival in the fight moved with swift agility, weaving around Shani. With a quick, fluid motion, he caused Shani to stumble and fall. The newcomer's movements were almost too fast to follow, a blur of calculated strikes and deft footwork. The other guy released Shani only when he conceded defeat with a muttered, "Okay, we lost."
Cagalli, in the thick of the scuffle, didn't miss a beat. She delivered a powerful, well-aimed kick to Clotho, sending him reeling. Her determined eyes and her unwavering stance captured the crowd's attention, gasps of admiration punctuating the air.
Athrun, observing the scene, noted the precision of Cagalli's moves. He approached Orga, who was groaning on the ground, and casually picked up the book that had landed nearby. Athrun's expression softened momentarily as he glanced at the title, his curiosity piqued despite the turmoil. He hadn't realized that this book had started it all.
Orga, still recovering from the blow, looked up at Athrun with a mix of anger and grudging respect. "You got a good aim," he muttered, wiping blood from his nose.
"Years of practice," Athrun replied nonchalantly, his focus shifting back to Cagalli, who was now standing tall over Clotho, her chest heaving from the exertion. The fight had drawn a significant crowd, their whispers and murmurs creating a backdrop of excitement and tension.
As the dust settled, Cagalli glanced around, assessing the situation. Her eyes met Athrun's, and for a moment, there was an unspoken understanding between them.
"We were just teasing the young lady here. You guys take things so seriously," Orga chuckled, seeming unaffected despite the throbbing pain from the book hitting him.
Shani called out to them, "Enough fun for today, guys."
Orga couldn't resist one last jab, "I don't know what's in that book that's got you living your life by it. Anyway, if anyone wants to give it a try, hit me up." With a smirk, he joined the other two and walked away.
Athrun handed the book back to Cagalli. "I believe this is yours," he said, extending it towards her.
Cagalli took the book, but still relaxing her deep breaths. The title "Bondage" stood out clearly on the cover. She had been ready to confront Athrun if he mocked her, but he remained oblivious. She was too used to the usual reaction that she was a little dumbfounded when she encountered an oblivious Athrun. The other guy also approached them, and at this point, Cagalli held the book close to her chest, trying to hide the title.
"Um, thank you. I just don't like the way they acted. Even though I didn't ask for your help, you stepped in anyway," Cagalli acknowledged gratefully.
"Well, actually, I thought you didn't need help, judging by the way you handled them. It's just that the book came flying directly at my head," Athrun explained, gently touching the sore spot on his head. "And it does hurt a bit. That book must be something special with its hardback edition," he added sincerely, without a hint of teasing.
"The book that started it all," Cagalli replied, lighting up the mood.
"Oh, I supposed. Anyway, I do hope you're alright. I'll be staying in the city for a while, but if you ever want someone to hang out with, the name's Arnold Neuman," he introduced himself, extending his hand.
Cagalli hesitated for a moment, observing Arnold. He seemed genuine and kind, confirming her initial impression of him. "Um, call me Ca... uh... Yula," she corrected herself, extending her hand to shake his.
"I didn't get that. Cayula?" Arnold said.
Cagalli almost laughed at the weird sound of her compressed name but hid it, "Yula," Cagalli repeated, then offered her hand to Athrun.
"Alex," Athrun blurted out the first name that came to mind, deciding not to correct himself. This encounter seemed brief anyway.
"So, want to grab something to eat?" Arnold interrupted, breaking the moment.
"That would be great," Cagalli accepted. Athrun unconsciously nursed his sore head.
"Does it hurt? Of course it does," Cagalli said with concern, her amber eyes showing genuine care.
Athrun momentarily found himself drawn to her eyes, a familiar feeling flooding him, but he quickly diverted his attention. "Yes, a little. Don't worry, I can manage," he assured her with a smile. "If you want to eat, please do so."
"Well, I don't want you walking around with a head injury or anything. Why don't I take you to a clinic?" Cagalli offered sincerely.
"So, about lunch—or dinner, is that a no?" Arnold interjected casually.
"Yeah, sorry. I wished we could share stories, but he needs to be taken care of," Cagalli muttered. I am a little hungry myself but we have a situation.
"Ah, I know, but I'm so hungry. I'm sorry I couldn't help," Arnold said, his stomach audibly growling in protest.
"It's okay. Don't mind me. It's only a small sore," said Athrun, waving off Arnold's concern. "You spent some energy fighting."
"Okay. I'll find a place now. Nice to meet you, Yula and Alex. I really wish I could stay, but I haven't eaten lunch and it's almost evening. I'm really famished. See you around then," Arnold added with a friendly nod before he walked away, his steps quickening as he sought out a nice restaurant.
"Thanks, Arnold," Cagalli waved goodbye as he disappeared into the crowd.
Athrun rubbed his head lightly.
"Does it hurt that badly? Why don't we sit over there?" Cagalli suggested, motioning to a nearby bench nestled under a shady tree.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. I have a tough head. It's just that it keeps throbbing so I unconsciously touched it," Athrun chuckled softly, though the pain was still nagging at him.
Cagalli smiled slightly. "Yeah, possibly, but my book is too thick and hard if I may add. If you don't want to go to a clinic, can you wait here for a little while? I'll try to find some bandages or some pain reliever from the pharmacy. I'll leave my book here just in case," Cagalli offered, setting down her bag with the book placed on top. As she did so, Athrun caught a whiff of her cologne, a scent that sparked a hint of familiarity in his mind once again.
"I'll be back in a jiffy," Cagalli assured him as she hurried off to the pharmacy, her figure quickly blending into the bustling cityscape.
"Yula seems nice. It's a pity her hair is black," Athrun muttered, then chuckled at his own absurdity. "What am I even saying? Judging a woman based on hair color," he mused to himself, his thoughts lingering on the encounter with Cagalli as he picked up the book on top of her bag.
"So the book that started it all. I wonder why."
Expecting it to probe into political theories or historical narratives due to its title, he was taken aback by what he found when he randomly flipped open a page. His obliviousness sometimes got the better of him.
The chapter was boldly titled "Chains and Cuffs," an unexpected departure from what he anticipated. Intrigued, Athrun began to read, the words drawing his attention deeper into the content. It explored the intricate art of using handcuffs and chains not just for restraint, but as tools to explore deeper levels of intimate pleasure. Athrun's curiosity was undeniably awakened as he read further into the chapter, his initial surprise giving way to a growing fascination with the subject matter.
The words on the page painted scenarios and explanations that challenged his preconceptions, offering a perspective on intimacy that was both enlightening and provocative. Athrun found himself engrossed in the details, his mind racing with questions and new insights as he continued to read, oblivious for the moment to the bustling world around him.
As Cagalli returned from the pharmacy with a small bag in hand, she spotted Athrun still seated on the bench, deeply engrossed in her book. His brow was furrowed slightly, indicating concentration, and the intensity with which he was reading intrigued her. She stood there watching him, riveted by how engrossed he was with the book.
She started to notice his looks. The color of his eyes suited him. The ponytail looked good on him, she noted. She saw the shades, but not that one, she chuckled. Is she really admiring him, or more so because she was fascinated with his fascination with her book? She felt that she had found someone to talk to about this topic that interested her so much.
Approaching quietly so as not to startle him, Cagalli stood beside Athrun, clearing her throat softly to announce her presence. "Alex." No response. Cagalli called louder. "Uhm, Alex!"
Athrun looked up abruptly, realizing she was calling his name. It startled him out of his reading trance. Their eyes met, and there was a moment of mutual surprise before Athrun quickly closed the book and placed it on top of her bag, his cheeks faintly tinged with embarrassment at being caught.
"Um, sorry," he began, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I didn't mean to... I was just curious about the book. It's, uh, quite interesting."
Cagalli couldn't help but smile at his reaction, finding it endearing. "No need to apologize," she reassured him warmly. "I'm glad you found it interesting. It's not exactly what people expect from the title."
Athrun nodded, a sheepish grin forming on his face. "Definitely not what I expected," he admitted shyly.
"It's actually part of a series of books about different aspects of human relationships," Cagalli explained, sitting down next to him on the bench. "I picked it up out of curiosity at first but I am currently studying it."
"Ah, I see," Athrun replied, nodding thoughtfully. "Well, it certainly caught my attention."
Cagalli glanced at the book, then back at Athrun. "You know, you're welcome to borrow it if you're that curious," she offered teasingly. "And maybe we can start a book club or something."
Athrun chuckled nervously, scratching his head. "I think I'll pass on that offer for now," he said with a smile. "There's too much studying at school, but thank you."
Cagalli did not yield and tried another tactic. "Anything in particular that caught your eye?" asked Cagalli.
Her tone is flat as if she was just asking about his breakfast, Athrun thought and let out an awkward laugh. "Are you sure you should be discussing this with me? I mean, it's quite a sensitive topic."
"But you are curious about a 'sensitive' topic, and I am curious about it, too. I don't see any problem discussing it. Are you feeling shy now?" Cagalli asked in a playful tone.
"Aren't you?" Athrun wondered, shifting uncomfortably on the bench.
"I treat it like any other knowledge," Cagalli explained nonchalantly. "Like how male seahorses and pipefish are the one that gets pregnant. Or about the mating season of lions, which they can mate every 15 minutes for 5 days. Imagine, 250 times! How is it different from human? Like understanding why people engage in this kind of intimacy."
"You're not joking when you say you were studying it. How can you keep yourself composed?" Athrun asked, trying to mask his discomfort.
"I think it's because I'm discussing it with someone who doesn't know me personally," Cagalli said thoughtfully.
"You mean me," Athrun clarified, still uneasy.
"Who else? I don't see Arnold here."
"But I'm a total stranger, and the topic—" he trailed off, clearly uncomfortable.
Sensing his uneasiness, Cagalli replied, "I won't pressure you if you don't want to talk about it. What a pity."
"Sorry to disappoint. It's just that... uh... you don't seem like the type to get interested in these things," he commented hesitantly.
"Not the type? Explain, or I'll forever judge you," Cagalli raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, just don't misunderstand, but the way you tie your hair—it's childish but cute," Athrun said, struggling to explain himself without offending her.
"What? Are you mocking me?"
"No, it's just... the way you dress, it's very unfeminine, but you carry it without effort."
Cagalli playfully punched him. "Are you gonna pick on me or admire how I look or dress? Make up your mind," she said, her tone light.
Athrun laughed heartily for the first time in a while. "What do you think?"
"You seem like you're picking on me," Cagalli teased.
"Did I? But I think the way you present yourself suits you. There's no pretence," Athrun admitted, his tone more sincere.
Cagalli fell silent, absorbing his words.
"So I was surprised about your passion for the book. Do you have a lover, maybe?" Athrun asked, fishing for more information.
"Maybe I do, maybe I don't. That's too personal a question," Cagalli replied, evading his inquiry.
"Yeah, I guess or maybe for another time, but I think you are one interesting woman, Yula," he smiled.
"Are you making a pass at me?" Cagalli asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Pick or pass, which is which?" Athrun asked, amazed at how complex her character was.
"Fair enough."
"Hahaha, hate to burst your bubble, but I am in search of a beautiful woman I met several nights ago."
Typical, Cagalli thought. What did I expect? But he's not that bad.
"Ah uh, I think you should give the topic more exploration. Maybe you and your 'girlfriend' could try these things in the future."
"Haha, what made you think that she's my girlfriend? Can't it be that I was looking for her because I want to thank her, and besides, I might scare my future girlfriend, you know."
"Maybe you're scared, scared of BDSM, a topic you don't know?" she asked.
Athrun nodded, his cheeks reddening. He was even shy to ask what is the meaning of BDSM. He thought that maybe, in her eyes, he was too innocent.
"Then give it a chance. Since we're in Ghent and on this topic, why not enter the Musée de l'Amour?"
"Musée de l'Amour? As in Love Museum?"
Cagalli nodded.
"No idea, but it sounds interesting."
"If you find this book intriguing, you'll definitely discover more at the museum. I've been looking for a companion to go with one day. Anyway, enough of this. I need to treat that bump on your head," she said, changing the subject.
"So, did you find everything you needed at the pharmacy?" Athrun eventually asked, glad for the change of topic.
Cagalli nodded, holding up the small bag. "Yes, I got some pain reliever, some bandages just in case," she replied. "You mentioned your head was hurting earlier."
"It's not too bad, really," Athrun assured her, though he subtly touched the sore spot on his head again, causing Cagalli to raise an eyebrow playfully.
"Well, let's make sure it stays that way," she insisted with a gentle smile. "You're in good hands."
Athrun couldn't help but chuckle at her caring demeanor. "I appreciate that," he said sincerely.
As they sat together on the bench, the early evening sun cast a warm glow around them. Athrun realized he was genuinely enjoying Cagalli's company. Despite their unexpected meeting and the unusual circumstances, he felt a sense of connection and ease with her that he hadn't expected, momentarily easing his mind from the unfruitful search of the past nights.
Cagalli observed him closely as she adjusted her sitting position, her fingers deftly securing the bandage around his head. Athrun winced slightly as her touch grazed the sore spot, but he tried to hide it with a smile. "You seem familiar, Alex. Did we meet somewhere?" she asked, her eyes studying his features intently.
"I don't think we've met before," Athrun replied honestly, meeting her gaze with curiosity. "But I have this strange feeling like I've seen you somewhere too."
Cagalli chuckled softly, her amber eyes twinkling with amusement. "Maybe we crossed paths before but didn't care. This city is big," she mused, tying off the bandage with a gentle tug. "There, that should hold for now."
"Thank you," Athrun said gratefully, testing the bandage with a nod. "You're really good at this."
"It's nothing," Cagalli waved off modestly, though she couldn't help but notice how the sunlight caught in Athrun's hair. Some strands were loose, giving him a more ruggedly handsome look. She had always been intuitive about people, and there was something about Athrun that drew her in—a mix of familiarity and mystery. She shook off the thought, focusing back on the present moment.
"So, Alex," Cagalli began casually, breaking the brief silence that had settled between them. "What brings you to this city?"
Athrun hesitated for a moment, considering his response. "Studying, exploring different places," he finally answered. Keeping his tone light, he asked, "How about you, Yula? What's your story?"
Cagalli smiled softly at the use of her second name, though she knew she had to get used to it. "Oh, you know, just taking a break from my usual work routine," she replied vaguely, not wanting to go into more details. "Sometimes it's good to step away and see things from a different perspective."
Athrun nodded understandingly. "I know what you mean," he agreed, leaning back slightly against the bench. "Life can get pretty hectic sometimes, but you know what, this day has been so interesting. I didn't expect to talk about a book or museum suddenly."
"I think this kind of topic should be normalized and talked about. There's so much stigma and misunderstanding about it. At its core, there's consent, safety, and aftercare," Cagalli said, her tone becoming more serious.
"You know a lot about it," Athrun remarked, his awkwardness creeping back in.
"A well-read person takes you to places," Cagalli replied with a knowing smile.
"Aye, aye," Athrun said, feeling a bit more at ease.
"Anyway, I have to go home. It was a pleasure meeting you, Alex," Cagalli exclaimed, standing up.
"Hey, wait. Maybe we could exchange numbers. If you want to talk about the book or visit the museum, maybe we could chat or meet again," Athrun suggested, trying to hide his eagerness.
"I thought you were busy looking for a 'mysterious' woman?" Cagalli teased but then recited her number. "If you get that, give me a call or a message. If not, then we are not destined to meet each other again." She didn't want to give her number but didn't want to be rude either, especially since they had a security situation."Bye, Alex. See you around."
Athrun watched her back as she turned right before finally disappearing from his sight.
"A Cinderella eager to go home, even though the clock hasn't struck midnight yet," Athrun mused to himself as he unlocked his phone and stored her number, memorizing it effortlessly.